Ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic cushion apparatus includes an upper body cushion portion which includes a neck-cushion-reception channel and first upper cushion attachment straps. A flexible hinge is connected to the upper body cushion portion. A lower body cushion portion is connected to the flexible hinge. The lower body cushion portion includes first lower cushion attachment straps and includes attachment means for a lumbar cushion and a lumbar cushion attached thereto. Also, second upper cushion attachment straps are connected to the upper body cushion portion, and second lower cushion attachment straps are connected to the lower body cushion portion. A neck cushion is received in the neck-cushion-reception channel. A recliner chair frame assembly is provided for supporting the ergonomic cushion apparatus. The upper body cushion portion includes a pair of inwardly directed concave arm-reception regions located along opposite edges of the upper body cushion portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copendingProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/222,699, filed Aug. 2, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to lounge chairs and,more particularly, to lounge chairs especially adapted for permitting aperson to read a publication when in a prone position on a lounge chair.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Lounge chairs are well known in the art. A specific class oflounge chairs are provided with upper chair portions which have anopening that permits a person, who is in a prone position on the loungechair, to read a publication through the opening in the upper chairportion. More specifically, throughout the years, a number ofinnovations have been developed relating to lounge chairs which includean opening in a chair portion for permitting a person in a proneposition to read a publication, and the following U.S. patents arerepresentative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,606,086,5,222,779, 5,946,749, 6,042,184, and 6,059,365.

[0006] The lounge chairs disclosed in the above-listed patents have twocommon characteristics which are a tubular frame and a person-bearingwebbing material attached to the frame. With the exception of U.S. Pat.No 6,042,184, the above-listed patents share still another commoncharacteristic which is that the chair-portion reading opening islocated in the person-bearing webbing material attached to the tubularframe. In U.S. Pat. No 6,042,184, the reading opening is located in anadd-on structure which is supported by the tubular frame and the webbingmaterial but which extends a considerable distance beyond the peripheryof the tubular frame.

[0007] Many conventional lounge chairs are in use which do not have achair-portion reading opening. Retrofitting such a chair to one whichhas a chair-portion reading opening would be a difficult task becausemaking a chair-portion reading opening in webbing material would bedifficult to do. Conventionally, webbing strips are stretched across thetubular frame. If portions of webbing strips are cut to make an openingthrough the cut webbing strips, it would be difficult to properlysupport cut ends of such cut webbing strips. Nevertheless, it would bedesirable if a device could be provided that would permit a conventionallounge chair to be retrofitted to a lounge chair which has achair-portion reading opening without the need for cutting webbingstrips and supporting the cut webbing strips.

[0008] As mentioned above, U.S. Pat. No 6,042,184 discloses a loungechair which has a reading opening comprised of an add-on structure whichis supported by the tubular frame and the webbing material and whichextends a considerable distance beyond the periphery of the tubularframe. Rather than have an add-on structure that extends beyond theperiphery of the tubular frame, it would be desirable if a device couldbe provided that provides a reading opening in a lounge chair withoutusing an add-on structure that extends a considerable distance beyondthe periphery of the tubular frame.

[0009] Still other features would be desirable in a ergonomic cushionand recliner chair apparatus. For example, when a person lies on one'sback, it would be desirable if a lumbar cushion could be provided to addsupport and comfort to a person's back.

[0010] In addition, when a person lies prone on a lounge chair to read apublication, if the upper portion of the lounge chair has no specialaccess for one's arms, it may be difficult for the person to comfortablyturn pages of a book that one is reading. In this respect, it would bedesirable if a device provides a reading opening and also providesspecial access for the reader's arms when the reader is in a proneposition.

[0011] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to bewell known to use lounge chairs providing for a user to read apublication when in the prone position, the prior art described abovedoes not teach or suggest a ergonomic cushion and recliner chairapparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1)permits a conventional lounge chair to be retrofitted to a lounge chairwhich has a chair-portion reading opening without the need for cuttingwebbing strips and supporting the cut webbing strips; (2) provides areading opening in a lounge chair without using an add-on structure thatextends a considerable distance beyond the periphery of the tubularframe; (3) provides a lumbar cushion which can add support and comfortto a person's back; and (4) provides special access for the reader'sarms when the reader is in a prone position. The foregoing desiredcharacteristics are provided by the unique ergonomic cushion andrecliner chair apparatus of the present invention as will be madeapparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of thepresent invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the presentinvention, briefly described, provides an ergonomic cushion apparatuswhich includes an upper body cushion portion which includes aneck-cushion-reception channel and first upper cushion attachmentstraps. A flexible hinge is connected to the upper body cushion portion.A lower body cushion portion is connected to the flexible hinge. Thelower body cushion portion includes first lower cushion attachmentstraps and includes attachment means for a lumbar cushion. Also, secondupper cushion attachment straps are connected to the upper body cushionportion, and second lower cushion attachment straps are connected to thelower body cushion portion.

[0013] A neck cushion received in the neck-cushion-reception channel.The neck cushion includes a bottom cushion portion received in theneck-cushion-reception channel, and a top cushion portion which isconnected to the bottom cushion portion and which extends outwardlaterally beyond the first input channel. In overall appearance, theneck cushion is mushroom shaped.

[0014] A lumbar cushion is connected to the lumbar cushion attachmentmeans. The lumbar cushion is cylindrical in shape. The lumbar cushionattachment means include a lower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loopconnector, and the lumbar cushion includes a lumbar-cushion-attachedloop-or-hook connector which connects with thelower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loop connector.

[0015] A recliner chair frame assembly is provided for supporting theupper body cushion portion, the flexible hinge, and the lower bodycushion portion. The recliner chair frame assembly includes a lowerframe member. Lower frame straps are connected across longitudinalportions of the lower frame member. Legs are connected to the lowerframe member. Frame orientation assemblies are connected to the lowerframe member. An upper frame member is connected to the frameorientation assemblies. Upper frame straps are connected to the upperframe member.

[0016] An auxiliary frame member is connected to the upper frame memberand extends below the upper frame member. The auxiliary frame membersupports an auxiliary platform. A beverage holder is connected to theauxiliary frame member.

[0017] The upper body cushion portion includes a pair of inwardlydirected arm-reception regions located along opposite edges of the upperbody cushion portion. Preferably, the inwardly directed arm-receptionregions are concave in shape. Preferably, the inwardly directedarm-reception regions are located in alignment with opposite sides ofthe neck-cushion-reception channel.

[0018] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the moreimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated.There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of theclaims appended hereto.

[0019] In this respect, before explaining at least two preferredembodiments of the invention in detail, it is understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details of theconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as abasis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anew and improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus whichhas all of the advantages of the prior art and none of thedisadvantages.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus which may beeasily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus which is ofdurable and reliable construction.

[0024] An even further object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus which issusceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materialsand labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices ofsale to the consuming public, thereby making such ergonomic cushion andrecliner chair apparatus available to the buying public.

[0025] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to providea new and improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus whichpermits a conventional lounge chair to be retrofitted to a lounge chairwhich has a chair-portion reading opening without the need for cuttingwebbing strips and supporting the cut webbing strips.

[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus thatprovides a reading opening in a lounge chair without using an add-onstructure that extends a considerable distance beyond the periphery ofthe tubular frame.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus whichprovides a lumbar cushion which can add support and comfort to aperson's back.

[0028] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus thatprovides special access for the reader's arms when the reader is in aprone position.

[0029] These together with still other objects of the invention, alongwith the various features of novelty which characterize the invention,are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention will be better understood and the above objects aswell as objects other than those set forth above will become moreapparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof.Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0031]FIG. 1 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the ergonomiccushion of the invention removed from a recliner chair frame.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the ergonomic cushionchair apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of theergonomic cushion apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 thereof.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 1 with an added mushroom neck cushion 98 and a cylindricallumbar cushion 97.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the mushroom neck cushionremoved from the ergonomic cushion apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the cylindrical lumbarcushion removed from the ergonomic cushion apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

[0038]FIG. 8 is a side view of the ergonomic cushion apparatus of FIG. 1supported on a recliner chair frame of the invention.

[0039]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the recliner chair frame of theinvention shown in FIG. 8 with the ergonomic cushion apparatus removed.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of theinvention which includes arm-reception cut outs.

[0041]FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention shownFIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved ergonomiccushion and recliner chair apparatus embodying the principles andconcepts of the present invention will be described.

[0043] Turning to FIGS. 1-9, there is shown a first embodiment of theergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus of the invention whichincludes two major components: an ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 and arecliner chair frame assembly 40.

[0044] The ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 includes an upper body cushionportion 12 which includes a neck-cushion-reception channel 14 and firstupper cushion attachment straps 16. A flexible hinge 18 is connected tothe upper body cushion portion 12. A lower body cushion portion 20 isconnected to the flexible hinge 18. The lower body cushion portion 20includes first lower cushion attachment straps 22 and includesattachment means for a lumbar cushion. Also, second upper cushionattachment straps 24 are connected to the upper body cushion portion 12,and second lower cushion attachment straps 26 are connected to the lowerbody cushion portion 20.

[0045] A neck cushion 28 received in the neck-cushion-reception channel14. The neck cushion 28 includes a bottom cushion portion 30 received inthe neck-cushion-reception cushion-reception channel 14, and a topcushion portion 32 which is connected to the bottom cushion portion 30and which extends outward laterally beyond the first input channel 14.In overall appearance, the neck cushion 28 is mushroom shaped.

[0046] A lumbar cushion 34 is connected to the lumbar cushion attachmentmeans. The lumbar cushion 34 is cylindrical in shape. The lumbar cushionattachment means include a lower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loopconnector 36, and the lumbar cushion 34 includes alumbar-cushion-attached loop-or-hook connector 38 which connects withthe lower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loop connector 36.

[0047] A recliner chair frame assembly 40 is provided for supporting theupper body cushion portion 12, the flexible hinge 18, and the lower bodycushion portion 20. The recliner chair frame assembly 40 includes alower frame member 42. Lower frame straps 44 are connected acrosslongitudinal portions of the lower frame member 42. Legs 58 areconnected to the lower frame member 42. Frame orientation assemblies 46are connected to the lower frame member 42. An upper frame member 48 isconnected to the frame orientation assemblies 46. Upper frame straps 50are connected to the upper frame member 48.

[0048] If desired, the recliner chair frame assembly 40 can be derivedfrom a conventional lounge chair. The recliner chair frame assembly 40can include an upper frame member 48 which includes upper frame straps50. With a conventional recliner chair frame assembly 40, if the upperframe straps 50 are too numerous and too tightly placed together topermit a reading opening therethrough, then one or more upper framestraps 50 can be removed from the upper frame member 48 to provide spacefor a reading opening. In this way, the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10can be used for retrofitting a conventional lounge chair to provide areading opening.

[0049] An auxiliary frame member 52 is connected to the upper framemember 48 and extends below the upper frame member 48. The auxiliaryframe member 52 supports an auxiliary platform 54. A beverage holder 56is connected to the auxiliary frame member 52.

[0050] To use the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10, the ergonomic cushionapparatus 10 is preferably used with a recliner chair frame assembly,either a conventional recliner chair frame assembly or one in accordancewith the invention, as described above. The ergonomic cushion apparatus10 can be used by a user to obtain a suntan. The ergonomic cushionapparatus 10 is attached to the recliner chair frame assembly 40 byusing the first upper cushion attachment straps 16 and the first lowercushion attachment straps 22. Each of the attachment straps has aquantity of both hook-or-loop connector and complimentary loop-or-hookconnector 23 for securing the respective straps to respective framemembers of the recliner chair frame assembly 40. The first upper cushionattachment straps 16 and the first lower cushion attachment straps 22are especially useful when the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 hasdimensions so that it fits onto the recliner chair frame assembly 40with a close fit.

[0051] In addition, the second upper cushion attachment straps 24 andthe second lower cushion attachment straps 26 can be used in respectivepairs to attach the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 to the recliner chairframe assembly 40. The pairs of the second upper cushion attachmentstraps 24 and the pairs of the second lower cushion attachment straps 26are sufficiently long so that they can be extended under two respectivelongitudinal frame portions before they are connected together with botha hook-or-loop connector and a complimentary loop-or-hook connector 23.The second upper cushion attachment straps 24 and the second lowercushion attachment straps 26 are especially useful when the ergonomiccushion apparatus 10 is not closely fit to the recliner chair frameassembly 40.

[0052] The ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 can be used by a person wholies on one's back on the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 and permitsone's head to rest in the neck-cushion-reception channel 14.Alternatively, when the neck cushion 28 is used, the bottom cushionportion 30 of the neck cushion 28 is placed in theneck-cushion-reception channel 14, and the top cushion portion 32extends above the upper body cushion portion 12. When a user uses theneck cushion 28, the user lies on one's back and places one's neck onthe neck cushion 28. In this way, the neck is placed in alignment withuser's spine. To use the lumbar cushion 34, the lumbar-cushion-attachedloop-or-hook connector 38 is connected to thelower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loop connector 36.

[0053] When a user wants to lie on one's stomach, the neck cushion 28and the lumbar cushion 34 can be removed from the ergonomic cushionapparatus 10. Then, the person can lie face down with one's head facingdownward through the neck-cushion-reception channel 14.

[0054] Using the auxiliary platform 54, a book 53 can be placed on theauxiliary platform 54. With the user looking downward through theneck-cushion-reception channel 14, the user can read the book 53. Ifdesired, a beverage (not shown) can be placed in the beverage holder 56so that the beverage is readily accessible to the user. If desired, atowel can be provided that has a hole that is placed in registrationwith the neck-cushion-reception channel 14. Such a towel can be placedon top of the ergonomic cushion apparatus 10 of the invention.

[0055] All the hook-or-loop connectors and complimentary loop-or-hookconnectors can be made from well known VELCRO(TM) material. Theergonomic cushion apparatus 10 and the recliner chair frame assembly 40can be considered together as a combined ergonomic sunning system.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, with the second embodiment of theinvention, the upper body cushion portion 12 includes a pair of inwardlydirected arm-reception regions 60 located along opposite edges of theupper body cushion portion 12. Preferably, the inwardly directedarm-reception regions 60 are concave in shape. Preferably, the inwardlydirected arm-reception regions 60 are located in alignment with oppositesides of the neck-cushion-reception channel 14.

[0057] The components of the ergonomic cushion and recliner chairapparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durablemetal and plastic materials.

[0058] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention,the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, nofurther discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

[0059] It is apparent from the above that the present inventionaccomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new andimproved ergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus that is low incost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which mayadvantageously be used to permit a conventional lounge chair to beretrofitted to a lounge chair which has a chair-portion reading openingwithout the need for cutting webbing strips and supporting the cutwebbing strips. With the invention, a ergonomic cushion and reclinerchair apparatus provides a reading opening in a lounge chair withoutusing an add-on structure that extends a considerable distance beyondthe periphery of the tubular frame. With the invention, a ergonomiccushion and recliner chair apparatus provides a lumbar cushion which canadd support and comfort to a person's back. With the invention, aergonomic cushion and recliner chair apparatus provides special accessfor the reader's arms when the reader is in a prone position.

[0060] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawingsand fully described above with particularity and detail in connectionwith what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

[0061] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should bedetermined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims soas to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationshipsequivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification.

[0062] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexedAbstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and thepublic generally, and especially the scientists, engineers andpractitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal termsor phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection thenature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention orthe application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LettersPatent of the United States is as follows:
 1. An ergonomic cushionapparatus, comprising: an upper body cushion portion which includes aneck-cushion-reception channel and first upper cushion attachmentstraps, a flexible hinge connected to said upper body cushion portion, alower body cushion portion connected to said flexible hinge, whereinsaid lower body cushion portion includes first lower cushion attachmentstraps and includes attachment means for a lumbar cushion.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further including: second upper cushion attachmentstraps connected to said upper body cushion portion, and second lowercushion attachment straps connected to said lower body cushion portion.3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a neck cushion receivedin said neck-cushion-reception channel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3wherein said neck cushion includes: a bottom cushion portion received insaid neck-cushion-reception channel, and a top cushion portion connectedto said bottom cushion portion and extending outward laterally beyondsaid first input channel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said neckcushion is mushroom shaped.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furtherincluding: a lumbar cushion connected to said lumbar cushion attachmentmeans.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said lumbar cushion iscylindrical in shape.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: said lumbarcushion attachment means include a lower-body-cushion-attachedhook-or-loop connector, said lumbar cushion includes alumbar-cushion-attached loop-or-hook connector which connects with saidlower-body-cushion-attached hook-or-loop connector.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further including: a recliner chair frame assembly forsupporting said upper body cushion portion, said flexible hinge, andsaid lower body cushion portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 whereinsaid recliner chair frame assembly includes: a lower frame member, lowerframe straps connected across longitudinal portions of said lower framemember, legs connected to said lower frame member, frame orientationassemblies connected to said lower frame member, an upper frame memberconnected to said frame orientation assemblies, upper frame strapsconnected to said upper frame member, an auxiliary frame memberconnected to said upper frame member and extending below said upperframe member, wherein said auxiliary frame member supports an auxiliaryplatform.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further including: a beverageholder connected to said auxiliary frame member.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said upper body cushion portion includes a pair ofinwardly directed arm-reception regions located along opposite edges ofsaid upper body cushion portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinsaid inwardly directed arm-reception regions are concave in shape. 14.The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said inwardly directed arm-receptionregions are located in alignment with opposite sides of saidneck-cushion-reception channel.